Planning an adventure tour? Don’t overload your suspension!

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the sum weight of your motorcycle, accessories, and the maximum weight of the rider, passenger and cargo that can be safely carried.

If you intend to fully load your motorcycle for an adventure tour or any other purpose, the GVWR is of special importance to you and something that needs to be calculated before your next trip. While you must never exceed the GVWR, you must also avoid overloading the rear spring rating as this could affect stability and handling.

Calculate carrying capacity

Check your owners manual or ask your local dealer to find out the GVWR and kerb weight (weight of motorcycle with all standard equipment + 90% full fuel tank) of your motorcycle.

GVWR - kerb weight = remaining carrying capacity allowed.

That remaining carrying capacity must include:

The weight of:

Rider + passenger

+ Riding gear

+ Luggage (side panniers, top box, tank bag and associated brackets)

+ Luggage contents

+ Any accessories (fog lights etc).

The GVWR must never be exceeded, but equally as important, check the chart below to see if you must upgrade your rear spring rate to match the load being carried.

Honda CB500X

Honda CB500X data below intended for Öhlins suspension part no. HO 916.

*Total carrying weight on motorcycle includes rider, passenger, luggage and accessories.

**Recommended to contact Öhlins Service Centre to custom-build application.

Öhlins for CB500X

Kawasaki Versys 650

Kawasaki Versys 650 data below intended for Öhlins suspension part no. KA 713.

*Total carrying weight on motorcycle includes rider, passenger, luggage and accessories.

**Recommended to contact Öhlins Service Centre to custom-build application.

Suzuki V-Strom 650

Suzuki V-Strom 650 data below intended for Öhlins suspension part no. SU 916.

*Total carrying weight on motorcycle includes rider, passenger, luggage and accessories.

**Recommended to contact Öhlins Service Centre to custom-build application.

Öhlins for V-Strom 650